BY Advocate.com Editors

August 30 2002 12:00 AM ET

6090Health News2002-08-30

GLMA will cancel Miami meeting if gay rights ordinance is repealed

The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, the nation's largest organization focusing on the health care needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people, announced Wednesday that it will cancel plans to hold its 21st annual conference in Miami in 2003 if a ballot initiative to repeal Miami-Dade County's gay rights ordinance passes. The ordinance is on the September 10 primary ballot.

"We have no choice," said GLMA executive director Maureen O'Leary. "Miami is an exciting city and a real draw for the hundreds of physicians and other health care professionals who attend our annual meetings. But if the antigay voters win, we won't be there, and we will actively encourage other LGBT organizations, businesses, and tourists to take their business where they are appreciated."

For more information about the GLMA conference, go online to www.glma.org.